SFA admit error over Rangers handball VAR mistake

SFA Admit Mistake Over VAR Decision in Rangers vs Livingston Match

Lions manager David Martindale expressed anger following his team's 2-1 defeat to Rangers, accusing the controversial VAR handball decision of potentially costing him his job as Livingston sits at the bottom of the league.

Incident and Reactions

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has acknowledged a significant error involving a handball call checked by VAR during the match. This ruling sparked outrage from Martindale, who believes the decision directly impacted the outcome and his club's precarious standing.

John Beaton, the referee involved, has come under harsh criticism due to the incident. The SFA accepted the mistake and implied it was a VAR mishandling rather than solely a referee error.

"This was a clear mistake with VAR failing to get the decision right for a crucial handball," stated by an SFA spokesperson.

Manager’s Response

Martindale’s frustration goes beyond the single match, reflecting the pressure on his struggling squad. He suggested that the call could ultimately threaten his position as Livingston's manager.

"The wrong decision has set us back, and with our current league position, it could cost me my job," Martindale commented after the game.

Context and Consequences

Livingston remains at the league's bottom, enduring a difficult season. The erroneous VAR decision adds to their challenges, underscoring ongoing debates about the technology's reliability and impact on football outcomes.

This case illustrates how VAR errors continue to divide opinions, affecting managerial careers and team fortunes in competitive leagues.

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Daily Record on MSN Daily Record on MSN — 2025-11-28

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